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Harry Wilson, a Scarsdale businessman considered the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, announced on Facebook Monday that he will not be running for governor, citing family reasons. Cuomo, a Democrat, is running for a third term this year.

"I have been wrestling with two incredibly powerful but, ultimately, competing forces – a deep desire to serve and make NY State a much better place," Wilson, who has four children, said. "And a deep commitment to my family, along with my view that it is very difficult to do both as well as I want to, at the same time. I do not want to miss that time and not be a great father to my daughters, just as my own dad was to me."

Wilson was prepared to spend as much as $10 million of his own money to challenge Cuomo, who has raised $30 million. In 2010, Wilson unsuccessfully ran for State Comptroller.